Hi There!

Welcome

I'm Mikhaela.

I quit sugar four years ago when I was pregnant with my first son. It was making me fat, sick, lethargic... miserable. It was hard, but I got there. The reward has been incredible. For me and my family.

This is a personal blog. A place that I share #refinedsugarfree recipes and other family favourites.

These happened by pure chance and I am so so so happy. They are delicious.

The secret ingredient - BUCKWHEAT. I have read a few articles lately on it and have seen everyone jumping on the buckwheat bandwagon. From facebook to instagram.. buckwheat is everywhere. People are adding it to soups, cakes, slices, breakfast, smoothies..

So here is a little info on buckwheat:

While many people think that buckwheat is a cereal grain, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a suitable substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens. Buckwheat flowers are very fragrant and are attractive to bees that use them to produce a special, strongly flavored, dark honey.

Diets that contain buckwheat have been linked to lowered risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Buckwheat is a good source of magnesium. This mineral relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery while lowering blood pressure—the perfect combination for a healthy cardiovascular system.

The nutrients in buckwheat may contribute to blood sugar control. In a test that compared the effect on blood sugar of whole buckwheat groats to bread made from refined wheat flour, buckwheat groats significantly lowered blood glucose and insulin responses. Whole buckwheats also scored highest on their ability to satisfy hunger.

Buckwheat can be safely eaten by people who have celiac disease as it does not contain gluten. Buckwheat can be a good substitute for wheat, oats, rye and barley in a gluten-free diet.

Reference: whfoods.org

I have also heard and read a lot about 'activated' nuts and seeds being so very good for our digestion. I haven't lived on a diet of activated nuts and seeds so I can't say that it has made a big difference to me personally. I do have a diet high in nuts and seeds so this is my next experiment. (the activated buckwheat seriously sold me.. it tastes so good) Plus, I do know some great people that swear by activating their nuts and seeds and I agree that it makes a lot of sense.

Chocolate, caramel crunch bliss balls

Makes 16 medium balls

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chia seeds

3/4 cup dry dates

1/4 cup boiling water

1 cup raw whole almonds

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar)

1 1/2 cups organic dessicated coconut

3/4 cup oats

3 tbs raw cacao

1/2 cup activated buckwheat

1/4 pepitas

pinch of salt

To start, place the dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over. Leave uncovered for 10 minutes to cool.

Using a food processor, blend the chia seeds and date mix together until it resembles a thick paste. Now add all ingredients EXCEPT pepitas and blend until the mixture forms a dough.

Turn the processor off and take the blade out. Add the pepitas and mix with a spoon or your hands.

Roll the mixture into balls. Your choice on the size :)

These will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for one week OR freeze for two months.

Please note: if you would like to add protein, please do so. You will not need to change the recipe at all. Simply add the protein powder (recommend 4 tbs) when adding the bulk of the ingredients.